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Sep 19, 2024 · Eating dog food long term can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. ... In general, dry kibble is not a good option for humans. It’s low in calories and nutrients, and it can be hard ...
- 6 Pros & Cons of Putting Water in Kibble: Vet-Verified ...
Studies have shown that dogs fed water-softened kibble had a...
- 6 Pros & Cons of Putting Water in Kibble: Vet-Verified ...
- Overview
- Short-term consumption is unlikely to harm you
- May increase your risk of developing foodborne illness
- The bottom line
In times of emergency or economic uncertainty, people often seek innovative methods for survival.
In the wake of food shortages or insufficient funds to buy groceries, you may find yourself wondering if your dog’s food is a viable option to help get you out of a bind.
After all, if your dog enjoys scraps of human food from time to time, maybe it can work the other way around, too.
This article reviews whether it’s safe for humans to eat dog food, including risks to consider if you’re contemplating chowing down on some puppy chow.
Dog food isn’t intended for human consumption and isn’t held to the same production standards as human food, but a small amount is unlikely to cause any major harm.
Dog food is typically made from a combination of animal byproducts, grains, soybeans, vitamins, and minerals, creating a nutritionally balanced diet for your pet.
Animal byproducts frequently found in commercially prepared dog food include scraps of meat, ground bones, skin, organs, and damaged animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption.
Although these ingredients are unappetizing to most people, they’re not technically dangerous to consume — as long as they’ve been cooked, processed, and stored properly.
That said, the types of vitamins added to your dog’s food are a health concern.
Certain varieties of dog food contain a synthetic form of vitamin K known as menadione, or vitamin K3. Although it appears perfectly safe for your dog, research suggests that it’s toxic to humans in high doses (1).
Just because you can eat dog food, doesn’t mean you should. Dog food comes with its fair share of risks, especially when it comes to food safety.
Much like human food, dog food can be contaminated with bacteria that can make you sick.
Proper storage and handling of dog food is essential to ensure that it’s as safe to eat as possible. Always follow storage and handling guidelines noted on the package to ensure safety for you and your dog.
Certain types of dog food are completely raw. It’s not a good idea for humans to eat raw or undercooked meat, regardless of whether it’s intended for dogs or humans.
Eating raw or undercooked meat has been linked to infections from harmful organisms, such as Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include nausea, vomiting, intestinal cramping, and diarrhea (4).
Though fully cooked dog food like kibble or canned wet food may be safer to eat than raw food, it could still make you sick. That’s because it can be inadvertently contaminated with harmful bacteria during processing, thus increasing your risk of developing foodborne illness.
Dog food isn’t designed for the unique nutrition needs of humans, though it is made from ingredients that are technically safe for humans to eat. Thus, it’s not inherently toxic for humans and may be safe in an emergency situation.
However, eating dog food may increase your risk of developing foodborne illness. Children are at greater risk of developing complications related to foodborne illness and shouldn’t consume dog food.
Additionally, dog food may contain vitamin K3, or menadione, which may be toxic to humans in higher doses.
All of the same food safety practices used in human food handling and preparation still apply to dog food. It may be wise to keep track of any pet food recalls to ensure the highest level of safety if you plan on eating it.
- Brianna Elliott, RD
- Carrots: Can Eat. Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog to eat. Carrots are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can’t Eat. You should never feed grapes or raisins to your dog. Grapes and raisins contain toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs.
- Salt: Limit. Salt should be limited in your dog’s diet. Excessive salt intake may lead to salt poisoning or water deprivation in dogs, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures.
- Peanut Butter: Can Eat. Peanut butter is a healthy and safe treat for dogs to eat in moderate amounts. However, it is best to limit your dog’s peanut butter intake.
Mar 14, 2024 · Eggs: Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites ...
- Nicole Cosgrove
- Carrots. Carrots aren’t just for Bugs Bunny—they’re fantastic for your dog as well. It doesn’t matter if you feed them to your pooch raw or cooked; they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Chicken. Chicken is fantastic for dogs, as it’s lean meat that’s high in protein. Dogs love it too, so it makes a wonderful reward for when your pup has been an especially good dog.
- Apples. Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, apples are a wonderful treat for your pet. Many dogs love how sweet they are too, so you shouldn’t have to work too hard to get your pooch to wolf them down.
- Peanut Butter. It’s incredibly rare to find a dog that doesn’t love peanut butter. It makes a great training reward, or you can just smear some of it on a chew toy to keep your dog occupied for hours.
Sep 9, 2024 · Studies have shown that dogs fed water-softened kibble had a higher rate of pathogenic bacteria in their feces than those eating dry kibble. 1. 2. Wet Kibble Can Be Messy. One of the most obvious ...
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Jul 22, 2024 · Cottage Cheese. This bland food is high in calcium and protein, so it can be a good addition to dog food. However, avoid cottage cheese if your dog has issues digesting dairy. Add just one or two ...
